The volunteers at Angela Hospice work diligently with our staff in every area of Angela Hospice, from volunteering with our administration team to helping with patients in the Care Center, taking the time to provide some respite to those who have a loved one in hospice. Volunteers have played a vital role in Angela Hospice for years, putting in thousands of volunteers hours each year, truly showcasing their hospice heart.
In honor of National Volunteer Appreciation Week — which takes place between April 21-27 — some of the people who know them best, and are with them from their interview to be a volunteer and the weeks of training, and once they become full time volunteers, spoke to why this group of people is so important to not only their team but Angela Hospice in general.
Here’s what the volunteer department at Angela Hospice had to say:
“I often say that I think hospice volunteers are the bravest people I know. They willingly and graciously show such vulnerability and courage when supporting patients and families; they listen to difficult stories and funny ones; they hold hands, wipe mouths with such a gentle and loving grace; they open their hearts and their minds. Our volunteers who do not have direct patient care are still deeply impacted by this sacred work that we do. Most come to volunteer at hospice as a way of giving back for when their loved one was on our service, while others end up on our door step sharing they weren’t sure why they came, but they know they were called to do so. Whatever brings our volunteers here to serve, I’m forever changed by witnessing the impact they have on our patients, our family members, our staff, and other volunteers. I think our volunteers embody this quote by Anne Frank, ‘How wonderful is it that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.’ Our volunteers bring such joy and peace to this world of hospice, and to all we serve and to those who serve alongside them.”
– Teri Schmitchen, Director of Inpatient Services
“I love how our volunteers come to Angela utilizing their whole heart. They give compassion and love to our patients, family members, and staff! I am always moved when I read the documentation and see that a volunteer provided bedside support to a person who was active or sleeping or otherwise non-verbal; providing those moments of grace when it might not ‘feel’ like they are ‘doing’ anything, but in reality being and giving so much. Every volunteer here is so important to us.”
– Melayna Morio, Complementary Services Volunteer Coordinator
“I am always in awe of our volunteers for their love, commitment, compassion, selfless service, respect, dignity, spirituality, faith, fellowship, and the blessings they bring to our patients, their families, and our staff. I learn so much from them in how to be the best human being I can possibly be here and in all other areas of my life. The life lessons they learn from being here and share with us is beyond words. I feel honored and privileged to be a part of their holistic journey and look forward to many more years of this priceless time with them.”
– Denise Welsh, Complementary Services Volunteer Coordinator
“The dedication and compassion that each and every one of our volunteers gives, is truly remarkable! The time, love, and effort that they show to our patients, families, and to Angela Hospice is a blessing! From working in the Care Center, home care, hospitality, clerical, events, and other areas, our volunteers are so caring and represent our Core Values in every way. We are lucky to have each and every one of them. Working with all our volunteers gives me such joy and pride!”
– Lora Troiani, Volunteer Coordinator
“As a new volunteer coordinator, I have been moved deeply by seeing the loving level of care in action and selfless service the volunteers provide. I am so honored to be a part of a team that demonstrates respect for human dignity during this time of transformation with such compassion. I am most moved by the stories that the volunteers share with me about the different ways they are supporting the patients and families, and have been moved to tears by their ability to provide compassionate presence with awareness that is often intuitive and always with a tender-heart and overwhelming warmth.”
– Jennifer Norber, Integrative Therapies Volunteer Coordinator
If you’re interested in learning more about the Angela Hospice Volunteer Department, or applying to become a volunteer, please visit here.
